FAO reports warn of global soil degradation and forest loss

New reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlight critical threats to global food security driven by soil degradation and forest loss. The Status of the World’s Soil Resources 2026 report reveals that over 1 billion hectares of agricultural land and pastures are degraded. This degradation, caused by factors such as erosion, loss of organic carbon, pollution, and salinization, poses significant risks to agricultural productivity and food supply stability.

Simultaneously, the FAO and the Landscape Alliance emphasize the vital role of forests in nutrition and poverty reduction. With over 5 billion people globally depending on forests for survival, the reports urge nations to integrate forest management into agro-food policies. The FAO notes that the world loses an average of 10.9 million hectares of forest annually, a trend that undermines biodiversity and ecosystem services.

FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu stated that fully integrating forests into national and global strategies is essential for building resilient and sustainable agro-food systems. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of soil health, forest preservation, and climate change in ensuring long-term planetary and human well-being.